Children's Place Housing Would Get $1M in TIF Funds Under City Proposal

A rendering for West Humboldt Place, a new housing unit planned for low-income families affected by HIV/AIDS and other medical disabilities.
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The Children's Place Association

WEST HUMBOLDT PARK — A $5.1 million project to build housing for families affected by medical disabilities would get a $1 million boost from TIF funds if a measure introduced by the mayor Tuesday is approved.

The Children's Place Association is a Humboldt Park-based nonprofit that provides support to "vulnerable children and their families in Chicagoland who are affected by HIV/AIDS or other life-changing health conditions," according to its website.

Their services include counseling, foster care, an early learning center and a residential center that provides 24-hour specialized care for children.

The new three-story structure off Drake and Chicago avenues would provide housing for families with histories of homelessness in which the head of household — and maybe other family members — suffer from a disability, said Daniel Dever, Director of Development and Communications for The Children's Place.

Dubbed West Humboldt Place, the building would include a mix of 13 studio, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as a computer center and community room.

Dever on Wednesday said the organization already leases nine units in the area for families in need, so the new building would more than double their housing.

"We've already been in the housing business," he said. "But there's a huge housing need for families with HIV/AIDS."

The Illinois Housing Development Authority would provide the bulk of the funding, $3.5 million, while The Children's Place Association's own capital fund and private funders would make up the rest.

The entire first floor of the building will house services and amenities, including the computer and community rooms, as well as counseling to help parents, often single mothers, go back to school, and other issues the family may be facing.

"This is permanent housing. However, we want to help our families improve their lives," Dever said. "We're not just a housing provider. We provide a future."

The proposal still needs approval from the finance committee and the full City Council.